Trouble with Movie Maker displaying steady transitions and effects

[Guest]

When I add a transition or effect like "fade in" to a clip, the transition is
jerky and rarely smooth. Is there a problem with the software or what?

 

[Graham Hughes]

what file type?
http://www.myvideoproblems.com/Tutorials/MovieMaker/File_type_compatibility.htm
All transitions or just some?
PC specs?
Maybe the pc cannot cope

Are you aware that MM only shows a preview of the movie, only every other
frame, so it could be this?

Other programmes or services running in the background?
http://www.myvideoproblems.com/Tutorials/OptimiseMyPcForVideo.htm